Introduction
Zoos and aquariums have in their custody animals belonging to a wide range of wild species as well as to a number of domestic breeds. The size of the collections of individual institutions ranges from a few to more than 1500 species. Information on the size of the collections of WAZA member institutions are to be found on our Zoos & Aquariums of the World Section.
Although zoos and aquariums have to rely on gate fees and other income to maintain their operation, the majority of the zoos and aquariums of the WAZA Network are not profit-oriented but keep animals primarily for the following purposes:
To allow people living far from nature to enjoy the beauty of and close encounters with animals, thus motivating the visitors to care about animals and the conservation of biodiversity. To educate people about the biology, behaviour, ecology and conservation needs of animals. To collect information and to allow for scientific research on animals, which may be crucial for the survival of wild populations. -
To maintain conservation breeding operations with a view of keeping reserve populations in human care and eventually having animals available for reintroduction purposes.
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